Eric Dane took to the stage one last time in Netflix’s Famous Last Words, now streaming after his death on February 19th.
Recorded in November 2025, Brad Falchuk conducted the interview with Dane, talking about his life, his battle with drugs and alcohol, his marriage, peace about his death, and a final message to his two daughters.
Famous Last Words
Netflix released the footage of Eric Dane’s interview on Friday, February 20th, just one day after his death.
His episode and message are part of the Famous Last Words documentary series, hosted by Brad Falchuk. The series films cultural figures with the agreement that the interview will only be aired after their deaths.
The series premiered last year with an episode featuring primatologist Jane Goodall.
Unlike Goodall, Eric Dane was an actor, best known for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. The actor passed away from ALS at just 53 years old.
At the end of his interview, Dane ends with a direct-to-camera message to his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Advice to Daughters
At the end of Falchuk and Dane’s interview, Falchuk left the stage so Dane could deliver his final thoughts, specifically addressed to his daughters.
He started by saying, “Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall we had a blast, didn’t we? I remember all the times we spent at the beach, the two of you, me and mom — in Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven. I want to tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you don’t just listen to me. I hope you’ll hear me.”
His first piece of advice?
“Live now. Right now. In the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that. … Out of pure survival, I am forced to stay in the present. But I don’t want to be anywhere else. The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have. Treasure it. Cherish every moment.”
His second piece of advice concerns falling in love.
However, it doesn’t have to be with a person, Dane elaborated. “…fall in love with something. Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you want to get up in the morning, drives you through the entire day. … I fell in love with acting. That love eventually got me through my darkest hours, my darkest days, my darkest year. … Find something that excites you. Find your path, your purpose, your dream. Then go for it.”
Next are the people Georgia and Billie choose to surround themselves with.
“Third, choose your friends wisely. Find your people and allow them to find you. And then give yourselves to them. The best of them will give back to you. … Just show up. And love your friends with everything you have. Hang onto them. They will entertain you, guide you, help you, support you, and some will save you.”
Eric Dane’s last piece of advice rang true with his current ALS battle.
“Finally, fight with every ounce of your being, and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit.”
His last thoughts are the most tear-jerking, as Eric Dane finished his interview with these words.
“I hope I’ve demonstrated that you can face anything. You can face the end of your days. You can face hell with dignity. Fight, girls, and hold your heads high. Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
ALS Diagnosis
Eric Dane announced that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in April 2025. The actor battled with the disease until February 2026, when he passed.
The family confirmed his death with the following statement:
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”
ALS is diagnosed in around 5,000 people in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC. While most only survive two to five years after symptoms develop, others may survive longer.
Dane was diagnosed after months of worsening symptoms, including weakness in his right hand.
After his diagnosis, Eric Dane became an advocate, serving onthe board of Target ALS and supporting the nonprofit I Am ALS.
Outpouring of Sympathy
After the beloved actor died, a huge amount of sympathy and love flooded social media. It wasn’t just the fans of Dane, either. People from all parts of Hollywood added to the social media tribute.
Patrick Dempsey, who starred opposite Dane on Grey’s Anatomy, talked about Dane on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show. The actor had talked to Dane around a week before his death.
“I feel really so sad for his children,” Dempsey said, adding he “was really starting to lose his ability to speak.” He finished by saying Dane was “the funniest man — he was such a joy to work with. I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it.”
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy, also chimed in. She called him “a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.”